AT wrote yesterday, “keep posting about politics.”
As an admitted political junkie, it’s easy to forget that a lot of people don’t keep up with the daily goings-on in local government. Most people, myself included, can only drink from the fire hose of one layer at a time (local, state, or federal), and federal seems to attract the most interest.
Oddly enough, local has the most impact on our daily lives.
Early voting for the Anderson County primaries continues through Thursday (April 27) at 6 p.m.; election day is May 2. For the County Mayor’s race, the primary will decide the next holder of that office, since there is no Democratic challenger. You can find the ballot HERE.
Party affiliation aside, there are only two contested races in the D-primary (Sheriff and Juvenile Court Judge), with five on the R-side (DA, County Mayor, Trustee, Juvenile Court Judge, and Sheriff).
In my opinion, it’s as important to vote in the primary as in the general, because if only the hard-core party affiliates vote, we end up with only the extremes to choose from in the end. That’s not good.
I’ll confine my comments to the Republican primary for now.
For County Mayor: I think we would be better served by a change. Jack Copeland works well with other government officials (including the other cities in Anderson County), has management experience, and a plan. Thus, he got my vote.
For Trustee: John Stair. He has the accounting background, and certainly has the right connections to continue operating with flawless efficiency, while also advocating modernization. Political insiders recognize the style of his chief opponent’s campaign as being typical of that conducted by Energy Media — otherwise known as Alan Beauchamp (Probation Director, Director of Buildings & Grounds, Grants Manager, and who knows how many other payroll codes in Anderson County).
For Juvenile Court Judge: April Meldrum. While I admit that I don’t know a lot about the other candidates, I did meet with April several months ago, and was impressed. That said, Pat Hess did a good job with my little burglar a few months ago (tough enough to get his attention, but not wrecking his life), so had I voted in the other primary, I would have voted for her.
Just for the sake of challenge, do some homework on the Sheriff’s race, and let me know what you think.
Interesting observations Netmom. I have tended to come to the same conclusions. I feel a lot more could be said in support of your first two choices. Although I have no preference for Juvenile Court Judge, come August I will support Pat Hess.
You didn’t mention the DA’s race. This race is going to be interesting. I’m curious as to which or if both of the candidates are being supported by the county mayor’s brand of Republicans.
The Sheriff’s race is a toss up. A lot of hot air promises from most candidates as this department is just one of the many departments that have been under-funded by the County Mayor and commission for a long time. On the Democratic side, Paul White is a man of honesty and integrity. On the Republican side I’ve seen no real reason to change given the choices available, I don’t see an improvement by voting for any of the other candidates.
Judges race, I refuse to give a complimentary vote for the candidate. For the last eight years he was a Democrat but changed his party affiliation so he wouldn’t face competition in the primary. He is said to be the power behind the throne of the county mayor and has his fingers in too many pies. Time for a change.
AT2, it seems we’re thinking eerily alike on several matters. I, too, refused the complimentary vote… and declined to vote in the DA’s race because I’m simply not certain which one may be, shall we say, compromised.
I’m planning to vote for Dave Clark for DA in August, along with Bill Lantrip for Chancellor and David Stuart for Judge.
How true, the “local has the most impact on our daily lives.” I appreciate the attention you bring to local O.R. politics, especially education.